Long flights on a Boeing 737-800 can test even the most seasoned traveler’s patience. While you can’t control the legroom in economy, you can significantly improve your personal comfort with the right gear. The key to a better journey lies in creating your own oasis of calm and support at 30,000 feet.
From providing essential neck support for sleeping to keeping your devices charged and your documents organized, a few smart products can make all the difference. This guide highlights eight essential items designed to help you arrive at your destination feeling more rested and less frazzled, turning a cramped seat into a more manageable personal space.
Essential Gear for Your Next 737-800 Flight
- trtl Pillow – Scientifically Proven, Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow
- JISULIFE Portable Handheld Turbo Fan [16H Max Cooling Time]
- Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
- Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
- MZOO Sleep Eye Mask – 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask
- Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Passport and Document Holder
- Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) 20000mAh Portable Charger
- 1MORE Piston Fit in-Ear Earphones with Microphone
trtl Pillow – Scientifically Proven, Super Soft Neck Support Travel Pillow
Forget the bulk of traditional travel pillows. The trtl Pillow uses a patented, scientifically-supported internal support system to keep your head and neck in an upright, comfortable position while you nap. This design helps prevent the awkward head-bobbing that leads to neck aches and strains mid-flight.
Made from a soft, skin-friendly fleece, it provides cozy support without taking up much space. Weighing only 4.5 ounces and including a handy travel bag, it’s a lightweight solution that easily attaches to your carry-on, making it a practical choice for any journey on a plane, train, or car.
JISULIFE Portable Handheld Turbo Fan
Stuffy cabin air can make it difficult to get comfortable. The JISULIFE Handheld Fan uses patented vortex technology to deliver a powerful, turbocharged airflow that feels closer to a natural breeze. With five speed settings, you can easily adjust the wind from a gentle low-speed to a potent high-speed cooling gust.
Its large 4000mAh rechargeable battery offers up to 16 hours of cooling time, easily lasting through even the longest international flights. You can recharge it via a power bank or any USB port, ensuring you have a personal source of cool air whenever you need it.
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution S3 is designed for superior support. Its higher front and back walls are engineered to prevent your head from falling forward or sideways, a common issue when trying to sleep upright. This design provides 360 degrees of support to effectively minimize neck strain.
This pillow includes practical features like a patented clasp that secures it to your seat and a compact stuff sack that makes it easy to pack. The machine-washable cover is a bonus for maintaining cleanliness between trips, making it a durable and hygienic travel companion.
Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Pillow
The Bcozzy Travel Pillow addresses a specific sleep problem: your chin dropping forward. Its unique double-layered design provides excellent chin support to keep your mouth closed and your head upright. This can help reduce snoring and prevent that stiff, sore neck you get from awkward sleeping positions.
Its versatile, adjustable design allows you to position the pillow in multiple ways to find the perfect fit for your neck and shoulders. Made from a breathable micro-bead fill, it conforms to your shape for personalized comfort without the bulk of memory foam.
MZOO Sleep Eye Mask – 3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask
Blocking out light is essential for sleeping on a plane, especially when your seatmate has their reading light on. The MZOO Sleep Mask uses a 3D contoured design that doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids, allowing for comfortable, unrestricted blinking. This design makes it ideal for side sleepers as well.
It features a fully adjustable nose wing and head strap to eliminate light leakage completely. The mask is made from soft, breathable materials and includes built-in, removable foam ear plugs, providing a complete sensory-blocking solution for better rest.
Lewis N. Clark RFID Blocking Passport and Document Holder
Keep your important travel documents secure and organized with this RFID-blocking holder. It protects your passport and credit cards from unauthorized digital scanning, giving you peace of mind as you navigate busy airports and security lines.
The holder features multiple slots for your passport, boarding passes, tickets, and currency, keeping everything in one easy-to-access place. Its compact, durable design fits neatly into a jacket pocket or carry-on, streamlining your travel experience.
Anker 325 Power Bank (PowerCore 20K) 20000mAh Portable Charger
In-flight entertainment systems can drain your phone or tablet quickly. The Anker PowerCore 20K power bank provides a substantial 20000mAh capacity, capable of multiple full charges for most smartphones. This ensures your devices stay powered for movies, music, and games throughout your flight and during layovers.
Anker is known for its reliable technology, and this model features PowerIQ technology for efficient charging. Its compact, portable design is easy to pack, making it an essential backup power source for any traveler who relies on their electronic devices.
1MORE Piston Fit in-Ear Earphones with Microphone
For a high-quality audio experience without the high price, the 1MORE Piston Fit earphones are an excellent choice. They deliver balanced, crisp sound with enhanced bass, making your in-flight movies and music more immersive. The in-line microphone and remote allow you to take calls and control playback easily.
Designed for comfort, they come with multiple silicone ear tips to ensure a secure fit that also helps passively block out cabin noise. Their durable, tangle-free cable and aluminum build offer great value and longevity for frequent travelers.
What to Look For in the 8 Best Seats on a Boeing 737-800: A Guide to Comfort
Finding a good seat on a Boeing 737-800 can feel like a puzzle, but I’ve spent enough time in the sky to know what makes a seat great. It’s not just about legroom; it’s about the whole experience. The first thing I always check is the seat map for the specific airline. The same aircraft model can have very different layouts depending on the carrier. Once I have that, I focus on a few key areas.
For me, the front of the plane is usually the goal. The first few rows, often part of a premium cabin, offer the quickest boarding and deplaning. You get your drink first and you’re off the plane fast. Just be aware that bulkhead seats in these rows have immovable armrests and your underseat storage is limited during takeoff and landing. If you’re traveling with a baby, however, this is often where the bassinet attachments are.
Exit rows are the holy grail for legroom. I always look for the rows immediately behind the wing exits. These seats, like 16A and 16F on many layouts, have a massive amount of space to stretch out. The catch? You can’t have any bags at your feet during taxi, takeoff, and landing, and you must be physically capable and willing to assist in an emergency. Also, the seats directly in front of the exit row sometimes don’t recline, which is a major downside if you’re stuck there.
I also pay close attention to what’s behind me. I avoid seats directly in front of a galley or lavatory. The constant noise, light, and foot traffic from a galley can make it impossible to sleep. Being near a lavatory means dealing with line-ups, smells, and the sound of the flush all flight long. For a quiet journey, I aim for a window seat over the wing. It’s a stable part of the plane and you’re insulated from the aisle commotion.
Finally, I have a soft spot for the last row. While you are near the lavatories, you often get a bit of extra recline since there’s no one behind you to complain. Plus, on some airlines, you might be close to the galley where the flight attendants hang out, which can sometimes mean better and faster service. It’s a gamble, but on a full flight, it can be a decent option. Remember, your perfect seat depends on your personal priorities: speed, space, quiet, or view.
FAQ
Is an exit row seat always the best choice for extra legroom?
While exit rows are famous for legroom, they aren’t a perfect solution for everyone. The tray table and entertainment screen (if there is one) are usually in the armrest, making the seat itself a bit narrower. You also have to stow all your personal items in the overhead bins during critical phases of flight. If you need constant access to a bag under the seat, this isn’t the spot for you.
Why should I avoid the middle seats in the last row?
The middle seats in the very last row are often considered the worst on the plane. Not only do you have the discomfort of a middle seat, but the seatbacks on the 737-800 often don’t recline in the last row because they are up against a solid wall. You’re also guaranteed to be near the lavatories, with all the noise and traffic that brings.
Are the seats just behind the exit row still good?
This is a tricky one. The seats directly behind an exit row can be excellent because you still benefit from the extra space in front of the exit, but you don’t have the responsibilities of an exit row passenger. However, you must double-check the seat map, as sometimes the partition between cabins is placed there, or the limited recline from the exit row seats in front of you can be a real nuisance.
How can I find out the exact seat layout for my flight?
The best resource is a third-party website like SeatGuru or the airline’s own website during the booking process. You can input your flight number and date, and it will show you the specific aircraft layout, highlighting the good and bad seats with detailed user reviews. This is the most reliable way to pick your spot.
Is a window seat in the front row worth the trade-offs?
A front-row window seat, often a bulkhead, gives you a great view and makes you one of the first off the plane. The trade-off is that you have no underseat storage for your bag during takeoff and landing, and you have to put your tray table and screen away for meal service. For a short flight, I might choose it, but for a long haul where I want my book and headphones handy, I prefer a standard row.